DESCRIPTIONThe Novobiocin Test is used to differentiate between Staphylococcus species, together with other biochemical tests.

PROCEDURESteps are similar to diffusimetric antibiogram. It was shown (1) that the method of the paper sensitivity discs compares very favourably with the method of serial dilutionsand it is preffered due to it's simplicity.1. select a pure culture of aerobic, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative and Gram-positive cocci.2. prepare an inoculum of 0.5 density on McFarland scale.3. disperse de inoculum on a Mueller-Hinton agar plate, with a swab4. place a novobiocin paper disk in the middle of the plate5. incubate at 35 ± 1 ºC for 18 ± 2 h within 15 minutes from application of the disks. During the incubation the antibiotic will diffuse in the area surrounding each disk, and a rounded clear area (where the strain's growth is inhibited) will appear.6. reading: measure zone edges as the point showing no growth looking from the back of the plate against a black background illuminated with reflected light. Compare results with manufacturer's interpretation table.